The Eco-Friendly Kitchen Collab That Changed How I Do Dishes
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I'll be upfront: I didn't go into this collab expecting to have feelings about a sponge.
That was naive of me. But here we are.
The Once Again Home Co. collaboration has been one of my favorite projects ever, and I want to properly tell you about it- how it came together, what we made, why I think it actually matters, and why there's a very good chance you're going to want a set of washable sponges with surface pattern artwork on them. Bear with me. I'll make it make sense.
How the Collab Happened
Once Again Home Co. reached out because they were looking for independent artists to design patterns for their line of sustainable home goods. Their products are already great! They're made to replace disposable household items like plastic sponges and dryer sheets, which, if you've ever looked at how much of that stuff goes into landfills every year, is a real thing worth doing something about.
The collaboration felt like a natural fit. I've been trying to make more intentional choices about the products I design and the companies I work with, and Once Again Home was already doing exactly what I'd want a kitchen goods brand to do: make things that last, make them well, and make them better-looking than the conventional disposable alternatives.
So I said yes, we got into it, and I spent a few months designing patterns specifically for their product shapes and surfaces. That last part matters- designing for a sponge is different from designing for flat paper. You have to think about how the pattern wraps, where it lands on a curved surface, how it looks in context next to a kitchen sink at 7am when someone is just trying to get the coffee started. It was genuinely fun design work.
What We Made Together
Washable Eco-Friendly Sponges
These are reusable, machine-washable sponges made to replace the single-use plastic ones. They last considerably longer, they're soft enough for delicate surfaces, and here's where I come in- they're covered in original surface pattern artwork. The Bee Kind print on a kitchen sponge is a thing I did not know I needed in my life until it was just sitting there next to my sink looking cheerful.
They come in sets and they're one of the most giftable things I've ever put my patterns on. People don't expect a beautiful sponge. That's kind of the whole point.
Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are one of those sustainable swaps that's genuinely easy to make and actually works well. They reduce drying time, soften clothes naturally, and replace the dryer sheets that most of us were raised to think were non-negotiable.
The RJW x Once Again dryer balls have a tight, dense wool construction and are packaged with my patterns. They're the kind of thing you give as a gift and the person thinks you're very thoughtful and practical, which is a nice combination.
Shop Wool Dryer Balls here!
Aprons
Okay the aprons are maybe my favorite thing from this collaboration. A full-coverage apron in an original surface pattern is exactly the kind of kitchen object that makes you feel like you have your life together even when you absolutely don't.
The patterns are bold, the aprons are well-constructed, and they make really nice gifts. I've given a couple as housewarming presents and the reactions have been very satisfying.
Why Sustainable Kitchen Products Actually Matter
I'm not going to lecture you. But I do want to say this: I spend a lot of time thinking about what I put my artwork on and where it ends up. Single-use stuff has never felt great to me as a designer, because you do all that work and then it goes in a bin after one use.
Products like the Once Again Home Co. line are a different proposition. They're made to be used for years. The sponges go through the wash dozens of times. The dryer balls last for thousands of loads. When you put original artwork on something like that, it lives in a home for a long time. That feels meaningful to me in a way that a paper towel never quite did.
Building a Kitchen You Actually Love Being In
If you're building out a colorful kitchen that makes you happy, the Once Again pieces work beautifully alongside other things in the shop. The linen tea towels carry the same original-artwork-in-your-daily-life philosophy- I wrote a full post on them this month if you want the deep dive on patterns, care, and why linen specifically is worth the upgrade.
And if you're thinking about a housewarming or hostess gift set, a cotton tote bag filled with a sponge set and a tea towel is one of the most considered, giftable combinations I know.
How to Shop the Collab
You can find all the Once Again Home Co. x RJW products in the shop here.
They make genuinely great gifts- housewarming, hostess, Mother's Day (the sponge set in particular has been a big hit for that), or just the kind of thing you treat yourself to because you want your sink to be a place that makes you happy.
Use SPRING15 at checkout for 15% off your order through the end of May.
And if you want to stay in the loop when new collab products drop, sign up for the newsletter here.
Thanks for reading all the way through my sponge feelings. I regret nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Once Again Home Co. collaboration with Rebecca Jane Woolbright?
A: Rebecca Jane Woolbright partnered with Once Again Home Co. to design original surface pattern artwork for a line of sustainable kitchen products, including washable sponges, wool dryer balls, and aprons. All products are eco-friendly and made to replace single-use or disposable alternatives.
Q: Are the eco-friendly washable sponges actually effective?
A: Yes, they're designed for regular kitchen use, are machine-washable, and last significantly longer than single-use plastic sponges. They're soft enough for delicate surfaces and durable enough for everyday cleaning.
Q: How do wool dryer balls work?
A: Wool dryer balls tumble with your laundry, separating clothes and improving airflow so things dry faster. They soften fabric naturally and can replace dryer sheets entirely. They typically last for 1,000+ dryer loads.
Q: Where can I buy the Once Again Home Co. x RJW products?
A: The full collab collection is available at https://www.rebeccajanewoolbright.com. You can find all the products in the main shop collection.
Q: Are the Once Again Home Co. products good gifts?
A: Absolutely! The washable sponge sets and aprons in particular make great housewarming, hostess, and Mother's Day gifts. They're functional, beautiful, and a little unexpected, which is a winning gift combination.